The Omnibus Roundup – July 4th, Javits, Coney, the Tube, Superfund

Happy 4th of July weekend! New Jersey, we’ll see you on the banks of the Hudson tomorrow, as the fireworks move west in honor of the 400th anniversary of Henry’s exploration of the river.  This year’s holiday brings an extra dash of patriotism with the re-opening of the Statue of Liberty’s crown, allowing visitors for the first time since its closing after 9/11.  For the enochlophobic or lazy among us, you can follow the festivities virtually, through an online tour, Twitter or Flickr.

In last week’s Walk and Talk, we hear Bob Yaro call for the Javits Center to be taken down, but the State apparently disagrees: the Public Authorities Control Board voted in favor of an ambitious renovation plan, led by FX Fowle Epstein. They’re talking green roofs, new facades, updated mechanical systems, and public plazas with landscaping by Ken Smith.

The Mermaid Parade may have been a bit soggy, but the drama surrounding Coney Island continues to heat up. The City’s plan for Coney Island is not the final word. City Council members proposed delaying a Council vote on the redevelopment plan. Read more about some of the competing visions in our report from last month.

Now that you have visually examined NYC subway riders in new detail, take a page from the new booklet by artist Jeremy Deller for the London Tube and ponder how changes in those garbled announcements might affect your day.  Think less “Stop blocking the doors!,” and more “Hell is other people.”

Lastly, a quick event reminder. People can’t stop talking about Superfund! Check out the City’s new proposed plan to avoid designation, and come tell us your thoughts and opinions on Tuesday at the Can Factory.

The Roundup keeps you up to date with topics we’ve featured and other things we think are worth knowing about.